Staff Reporter

Panaji

The government will expedite the processes of issuing permits to the blue cab taxi operators and setting up of a counter at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has said.

Godinho along with GMR officials and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant held a meeting at the latter’s official residence to sort out the issue of taxi operators on Tuesday wherein Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar and office bearers of taxi operators association were present.

“The government will expedite the process of issuing permits to blue cab taxi operators and also setting up of the counter at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa,” Godinho told this reporter at the sidelines of the meeting outside the Chief Minister’s residence.

He further said that the Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar has also agreed to the proposal of setting up a blue taxi counter at Mopa.

Godinho assured that the issue of taxi operators will be resolved in the next 2 days.

“They will be given blue cabs which are similar to yellow and black taxis. So far we have received 160 applications from Pernem locals for blue cabs,” he said, adding that only locals will be given these blue cabs to operate from the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.

He said that the yellow and black taxis are now outdated and need to be replaced by blue cabs at the new Manohar International Airport.

“The government is providing a free taxi scheme for the drivers so that they can start their business. However, some elements were trying to claim to be in the taxi business and are misguiding the taxi operators from Pernem taluka,” he added.

Godinho said that the government has also decided to relax educational qualifications for Goan drivers seeking taxi badge.

“We will amend the existing Motor Vehicle’s Act and Class VIII pass drivers will be granted a taxi badge to drive public service vehicles in the state,” he said.